Springfield Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, March 7, 1904
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 16
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 6, 1904
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Killed by an angry mob
Patrolman Charles Collis succumbed to a gunshot wound he received when he was shot by a man who had requested help from him on March 6, 1904.
Patrolman Collis was on post when the subject approached him and asked him to accompany him to the Jones Boarding House, where a woman had some clothes that belonged to him.
Patrolman Collis followed the suspect into the house. When the female occupant met the subject, he got involved in an argument with her. The suspect drew a handgun and shot the female twice. As Patrolman Collis attempted to disarm the subject, he was shot. He returned fire but missed the subject when he fled.
The suspect was chased to police headquarters by Patrolman Collis' partner, where he was arrested. The next day, he was taken from the jail by an angry mob, shot, and then lynched.
The female survived her gunshot wounds. Patrolman Collis was taken to the hospital where he died the next day.
Patrolman Collis had served with the Springfield Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and one child.
He is buried in Saint Raphaels Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio.